National Sojourners

I have a very important lunch date on the way to Lansing for the investment meeting. Yes a Grand Master needs a very special GPS in their vehicle.
I am being welcomed into the National Sojourners. Typically a Masonic group for military or former military men. The Sojourners make an exception on occasion for the sitting Grand Master. I was really honored to become a part of this group. There were several men there that I knew from other Masonic travels. I hope to make the lunch meetings.

Nice!

5-14-2014

Changing of the Guard

Back from lunch and the time has come to install the new team. What a wonderful event this is AND the Deputy Grand Master is installed as the Grand Master of Masons in Michigan. Yes you heard a sigh as the new Grand Master rose from the altar. I will not confirm nor deny that it came from me.

I am feeling relaxed - - 

5-21-2014

It is here -

The day has arrived the day of the Annual Communication is here. I must admit as the Leadership Team lines up in the rear of the house to be introduced, I get a lump. I have such great support from these guys it is easy to push through. Here we go. The business of the the Grand Lodge goes well, I give my address and really do not remember anything I said. I suppose that is why we prepare those things ahead of time. Business is complete, time for lunch and then the installation.

5-21-2014

and now it begins

Time to go to work y'all. The delegates meeting begins at nine. This is an opportunity for the voting delegates to discuss, for the last time the legislation that will be voted on tomorrow. We give them a lot of room to discuss and decide. The Deputy then present his budget to be put under the microscope by the group. Also presented at this meeting is the Home Board Budget and the Charitable Foundation budget.
Both the Deputy and I make time to go into the Board of General Purposes meeting and the District Deputy Instructors meeting. I really wanted to and did thank them for their service to the Grand Lodge this year. There has been significant changes to the make-up of these entities this year. These men really stepped up and did a fantastic job. I wish them all well.
After lunch the Deputy and I meet with the Jurisprudence Committee. We understand what will happen tomorrow during my address. Jurisprudence determines if the actions of the Grand Master are within Masonic Law.
Time to suit up for the Representatives Banquet. It is a time for the delegates to get dressed up an enjoy a nice dinner. It is time for the Deputy and me to earn our keep. We give several awards this night;
Mason of the Year, Lodge of the year (all categories), Lou B Windsor awards and the Distinguished Service awards. All in all a great event. I understand next year I will get to eat :)

and another thing - tradition continues

5-20-2014

Special Dinner

On Monday evening is a very special event. In my mind one of the highlights of the whole session.Since I have been in the Grand Lodge moving line I have always enjoyed the Annual Grand Family dinner. It is usually the evening before the session officially kicks off. and my oh my, the talent in that room is fantastic. You see the Grand Family is made up of just that. The leadership team, the past grands, the emeritus members, the sweethearts (widows) and all their ladies. It is a wonderful way to share the war stories, you know the "in my year" stuff. I have always found this a great tribute to those that came before us.

 5-19-2014

Annual Communication

Sunday the 18th, into the office for a few minutes and then home to pack time to leave for Grand Rapids for the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Michigan. Since our committee chair suggested we arrive at three o'clock I think that is a good idea. Off to the Amway Grand. The Deputy Grand Master and I share the top two suites at the Grand, beautiful. Time foe some entertaining and planning for the next few days.
5-18-2014

Show Time

Just under the wire. Our Brothers at Plymouth Rock Lodge have completed their building and are ready for the dedication. Grand Lodge shall do an official dedication to any new building before Masonic work can begin. Plymouth Rock has done a fantastic job. They have transformed an existing structure into a Lodge Room and a dining area. The craftsmanship is beautiful. The Lodge Room is a perfect size, it should fit about seventy-five folks. It will be plenty for most occasions. Today the Grand Lodge Leadership Team did a great job of doing the dedication and providing a few laughs for the congregate assembled. This is a great event and this one was special to me.

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BzMAC-mK8ojUbzdkYWktQTNfTUE&usp=sharing

Pictures courtesy of Mike Scott and his Son Chris - thank you!

Guy has got to eat - 

5-17-2014